Alexandra Mardell discovered she had a hole in her heart after her father died.
The ‘Coronation Street’ actress – who plays Emma Brooker on the soap – and her siblings were advised to undergo genetic testing after their dad Michael was found to have been suffering from undiagnosed cardiomyopathy before he died from a heart attack in 2016.
Although Alexandra didn’t have the hereditary condition – which hinders how the heart pumps blood around the body – doctors told her they had discovered a gap between two of the organ’s chambers, so she needs to "keep an eye on" any symptoms she develops, which can include swollen legs, difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat and fatigue.
She told the Daily Mirror online: "It’s not related to the cardiomyopathy whatsoever – it’s a total coincidence but obviously an issue I need to keep an eye on.
"I’ve been told that everyone is born with it and it’s meant to close up within the first year. In some cases, like mine, it doesn’t and that can cause problems.
"I sometimes get palpitations. I have always had issues with my breathing when exercising, but I always thought that was just my general lack of fitness."
Alexandra feels lucky that it hasn’t caused her any "major problems so far" but she will have check-ups every five years to ensure her condition doesn’t change, as if it does, she may need surgery.
She said: "If there are issues in the future it’s something they are able to close up.
"It only came to light when I was being tested for cardiomyopathy – if it hadn’t been for that test I would never have known."
In ‘Corrie’, Alexandra’s alter ego is grieving the death of her father and the actress was able to reflect on how she felt following her own dad’s passing to help with her performance.
She said: "It was a coincidence, but because I planned a lot of my dad’s funeral myself, with the support of family and friends, I was able to grieve properly, so thankfully the storyline hasn’t negatively affected me.
"My experience has helped with my performance, because it’s meant I’ve been able to relate to the storyline – I know exactly how Emma is feeling."
Alexandra Mardell has heart condition
